In Loving Memory

Paul L. Mina, President & CEO

May 1955 - May 2026

It is with profound sadness that we share that Paul Mina, President and CEO of United Way of Tri-County, passed away on Friday, May 8, as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

Through his leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Paul dedicated his life to strengthening communities and improving the lives of individuals and families across the Commonwealth. At United Way of Tri-County, he championed collaboration, innovation, and service, helping to expand programs and partnerships that provided critical support to those in need.

Paul was a deeply respected leader whose kindness, humor, wisdom, and humanity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He believed strongly in treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect, values that became the foundation of the organizations and services he helped build.

Paul also played an instrumental role in supporting the creation and growth of Mass211 and Call2Talk. His belief in the importance of connecting people to essential resources, emotional support, and crisis services helped transform access to care for countless individuals and families. His legacy will continue to live on through the programs he helped create and the many lives touched by his work every day.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul was a mentor, advocate, and friend to many. His impact on the human services community and on the people who worked alongside him will be lasting and immeasurable.

Our thoughts are with Paul’s family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.

Additional information regarding arrangements and opportunities to honor Paul’s memory will be shared as it becomes available.

If you would like to make a gift to honor Paul's memory, please donate here.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Paul's passing.

For more than 25 years, I had the privilege of knowing him as a United Way colleague. When I was still very young in this CEO role, he was always exceptionally kind, supportive, and encouraging. He welcomed me with warmth and generosity, and he never hesitated to offer guidance.

He was the only person who could call me “kid” and get away with it. Somehow, coming from him, it always felt endearing, a reflection of the affection, humor, and caring spirit he brought to every relationship. He was thoughtful and sincere, and also a straight shooter, someone who spoke honestly, led authentically, and always told you what you needed to hear with kindness and respect.

Paul leaves behind a legacy not only of professional dedication, but of kindness and humanity. He made a lasting impact on so many of us, and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship he showed me over the years.

He will be greatly missed.

Michelle Hantman
- United Way of Greater New Bedford

I only knew Paul for a short time, but I was in awe of his commitment to his neighbors and those in need. We was an inspiration to many of us with the United Way network. Our world was a better place for having him in it. Sending prayers.

Mark Skala
- The Cape and Islands United Way

Paul was brilliant and dedicated to his community. We did not always agree - I both dreaded and enjoyed verbally sparring with Paul over various issues of funding. Met him when he was CEO at Assabet Valley and we were always friends even when we pissed each other off - he was just that kind of person. He served on my board at UWONE and I later worked for him as a consultant. He broke the mold with his progressive view of United Way and its potential to serve. At Tri-County he built the type of direct service organization that many United Ways today are trying to replicate and he did it decades ago and was considered a maverick for it. Many hands worked on Mass 211, yet it was Paul who was the force that made it happen. He was truly visionary in his approach and his leadership made so many lives better.

I will miss our chats, arguments, and most of all our friendship. Rest in peace Paul.

Peter Thomas
WestBridge

I send my deepest sympathy to the team at United Way of Tri-County. I have been part of the United Way and 211 network for nearly 11 years and can attest to Paul's dedication to this work. He brought wisdom and humor to many conversations and always focused on how 211 could help more people thrive. 

Heather Black
United Way Worldwide

Cant stop the tears. He used to call me "Doctor", and I used to call him "Chief". 11 years, all day, everyday - So many memories to share, and so many pictures to post. Paul, you are forever etched in my heart and mind.
With Love,
Queen of Persia

Mahsa Ghavamian
Canvas n Cup

I first met Paul when I was President of the Clinton Community Chest. At the time, we believed that to make a greater impact in our community, we should merge with another local United Way organization. After meeting with several potential partners, we chose to merge with the United Way of Tri-County.
That decision was made after we met Paul. He immediately impressed us as a man of integrity, strong character, and someone whose word could always be trusted.
Following the merger, I had the privilege of working closely with Paul as both a Board Member and later Chairman of the Board. Throughout those years, I was continually inspired by his dedication to the communities he served. His caring and supportive nature, along with his wonderful sense of humor, touched not only the community but also every member of his staff.
I learned so much from Paul. You would be hard-pressed to find a more caring, energetic, and honorable man.

May God bless you, your family, and all those whose lives you touched and changed.
I will miss you deeply, my dear friend.

Michael Tenaglia
Cllinton Savings Bank (Retired)

I was very sad to hear of Paul's passing. Always enjoyed seeing him at the annual United Way golf tournament and various other causes through the many years of knowing Paul and working with him and the United Way of Tri County. He will be sorely missed.

Valerie Meadows
Fitts Insurance Agency, Inc.

Julie, we send our condolences to you and your family. Your Dad has left a legacy of kindness and compassion. He sounded like a remarkable man that will be greatly missed.

The Thompson Family

The influence of Paul's legacy of caring for so many individuals, families and communities in MA will shine bright for many, many years to come. Dedicating his life's work to others, his deep sense of commitment to providing help for those in need in his communities was only eclipsed by his even deeper love for family, friends and colleagues. RIP, Paul!
 

John Emge
United Way Worldwide

Sending my deepest sympathies to Paul's family as they were the center of his universe. Whenever we were together, we would always find time to put business aside and talk about our love of living in Maine where 'life is how it should be', and our mutual love for the beauty and way of life on PEI. Professionally, Paul was a visionary in how to serve his community especially when it came to growing 211 into a true national resource. He was tireless in showing his love for his community and never forgot where he came from no matter how many awards and accolades he received. Thank you for your service and for the friendship. Will miss you, my friend.

Jeff Hayward
Heart of Florida United Way

All of us at United Way of Massachusetts Bay are saddened by this news. We are grateful for Paul’s impact not only on individuals and families in the Tri-County region but also across the Commonwealth through his leadership of Mass 211 and Call2Talk. As a longtime leader of United Way of Tri-County, Paul deeply believed in the power of what we can do together and epitomized what it means to put the community first. In his work with Mass 211, he connected millions of people to essential needs and services when they needed them most, and he leaves a legacy of compassion, support and dignity. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community.

Marty Martinez
United Way of Massachusetts Bay

Sending my deepest sympathy in the loss of Paul - he was always a gentleman and will be remembered fondly.

Tena Zapantis
Volunteer At Wheat Community Services

Fond memories from when we first were gaining a partner network to develop the Alliance”. He shared his expertise and willingness to collaborate with us. Paul will be missed and I know Joe will carry on his legacy.

Jane Cohen
Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Ken Mattes

A good man, a good friend and a wonderful family man.

Perhaps on a summer morning, just a half step outside the present
We can meet at Butterworth Park before the rising sun heats up the asphalt court,
to settle the long unanswered question that has lingered in the air between us
Can I dunk on you or can you back me down in the paint and nail a one handed hook shot 
just out of my reach.
It is these existential questions that life springs from 

Namaste my friend 
Jim Cuddy 
Corolla NC

I knew Paul professionally and always loved doing business with him. So sorry to hear that he has passed away. I know many people will miss him Marlene.

Marlene Aron
MetroWest Commercial real Estate

I first met Paul when I joined the United Way of Mass Bay in 2006. I grew to know him more when I became the Chair of the Mass211 around 2010. I was always inspired by Paul's dedication and commitment to the United Way mission and to our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. His work to bring Call to Talk and Mass211 to our communities has made our Commonwealth healthier, stronger, more connected and has literally saved countless lives. During my service as Board Chair, I had great appreciation for Paul's honest approach to our work. At times he could be a bit gruff, and open with his frustrations at systems that were ineffective or unhelpful to those who have fallen on hard times, but these were always concerns and frustrations that were shared by many. Paul could be relied upon to say what everyone else was thinking, to initiate tough but necessary conversations, or to tell the hard truth even if it wasn't pleasant or convenient. It was this kind of authenticity that set Paul apart from most, and a trait most admired and appreciated.

When in 2019 I became a United Way CEO Paul was one of the first people I met with to better understand how best to lead our organization. As we sat over lunch at the Clinton Grill, I remember Paul saying to me " you really don't need my help, you're going to be a great leader but if you need me, I am a call away". Since then, there hasn't been a month that has gone by where we haven' t spoken. Sometimes it was to vent, sometimes it was to share new ideas and sometimes we would just talk about our families or things happening in our lives. More often than not it was me initiating the call with Paul reliably picking up on the second ring or calling me back within the hour. I remember how proud I was when Paul actually called me for advice for the first time. I remember thinking that I'd finally arrived, Paul Mina picked my brain! In retrospect I don't think Paul needed my advice at all rather he was just trying to boost my confidence. This was who Paul was, a mentor, a supportive colleague, a good friend and as he would say, "a fine American". Goodbye my friend and thank you......for everything. 

Kory Eng
United Way of North Central Massachusetts

My condolences to the family and larger community we celebrate his life and legacy

Rev Dr. J Anthony Lloyd
Greater Framingham Community Church

I got to know Paul through my involvement with the United Way . Paul did a great job of tweaking the United Way model in order to have a greater impact in the Communities he served !!! Paul will greatly missed 

Mark O'Connell
Avidia Bank

My deepest sympathies go out to Paul’s family and everyone at United Way. I’m truly sorry for your loss.

I knew Paul for 24 years and had the privilege of working with and for him for 16 of those years. During that time, I learned a lot from him and always admired his commitment to the work, his remarkable ability to remember everyone’s name, and his great sense of humor. We shared a lot of laughs over the years, and I’ll always be grateful for those memories.

Rest in peace, Paul. We used to joke that they don’t make them like they used to, and that was especially true of you. I hope you knew how many lives you touched and how much of a difference you made. Your legacy will live on through the countless people and communities you helped over the years. You will be deeply missed.

Jodi Breidel

Paul was a key leader among a generation of nonprofit CEOs who built an incredible MetroWest community-based human services system, originating back in the 1970s and 1980s. 

Initially there were just a handful of community agencies – all were small, and all were just finding their way. But with the support and encouragement of Paul and other funders and conveners - foundations and government included - the system slowly but surely blossomed into the mature network of care that exists today. 

Specifically, with regard to the United Way itself, he inherited a United Way that was staid and set in it ways - funding the same old entities, year after year. Paul changed that under his leadership. He made sure the United Way impacted and supported the least fortunate, most vulnerable, and the most challenging to serve – seeing them as equal, valued members of MetroWest who he wanted to see helped.

He also was an advocate in the corporate sector for the human service programs that served these clients. And he had our backs. If an incident occurred that ended up in the media, Paul would call and ask for background so he could explain to his corporate donors the larger context and needs of the clients, their families and the community at large. He never sold us out; he stood by us. Most importantly he stood by our clients. And then he went even further when he extended the United Way itself into filling service gaps and addressing basic needs directly, using United Way operational expertise and resources. 

For decades, Paul was a true Titan in the MetroWest community-based human services, and will be greatly missed for his leadership, friendship and, of course, his great smile. 

Eric Masi, 
Retired CEO of Wayside Youth & Family Support Network 

He is a Fine American who knew no color lines and as a mentor showed me how to be a fine American from a different country. Blessings to him always for that!

Annette Peele
Executive Office of Aging and Independence

I’m still having a difficult time dealing with the passing of my longtime boss and friend, Paul Mina. We go way back, 27+ years to be exact. I started working with Paul at the United Way of Central Mass. It was there that I got to see and learn what the United Way was all about. I also learned what a dedicated and compassionate man Paul was. When he left there and became the President of United Way of Tri-County, he would still call me at the office to see how I was doing. He eventually convinced me to transfer to the UWTC, and become his office manager, for which I will be forever grateful.

Throughout my 27+ years of working with Paul, the organization grew tremendously under his leadership. We used to laugh about being able to put the names of all the staff on an index card (we were a staff of 7 at first) but I’m sure the employee count is well over 100 now. When I decided to retire, I asked Paul if I could work 2 days a week instead of 5. He looked at me and said, “I suppose you’ve already picked the 2 days you want to work?” I did of course, and for the next 3 years I had 2-day work weeks and 5-day weekends.

Even after leaving United Way, I would receive a call from Paul every so often. That’s the kind of friend he was. We would share lots of laughs about events that had happened over the years, and we kept saying we were going to write a book about them some day.
Paul spent his entire life improving the lives of so many individuals and families across the entire state. His kindness, humor, wisdom, and especially his friendship will never be forgotten. Paul, you certainly are “one fine American”, and you will always have a place in my heart.

Carlene Carpenter
United Way of Tri-County (Retired)

I am grateful I had the privilege to meet Mr. Paul Mina. I met him over 20 years ago, while volunteering at the Pearl Street Cupboard & Cafe. 
He is someone who stop & listen even in his busy schedule. Aways giving advice in an soft gentle manner. His love of people radiated in caring for people. May he rest in peace 🙏

Marcia Sharpe
Greater Framingham Community Church: Missions & Outreach

“How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume. It isn’t easy, but I’ll try.”

I have spent a lot of time trying to find the right words, and there really are none that fully capture what Paul meant to me, to this organization, and to the work we continue to do.

He was the founder and visionary behind Mass211, an organization that provides critical resources and connections to services for residents across the state. He built something rooted in compassion, access, and a deep understanding of what people need when they are at their most vulnerable. What he created continues to serve as the foundation for everything we do. He also had the vision for Call2Talk. He understood the growing need for emotional support and suicide prevention services long before many others did. Just as importantly, he gave me the freedom and trust to develop it, grow it, and shape it into what it has become today. That trust meant more than I can ever fully express. When a gap in suicide prevention services was suddenly created in our region after a local organization abruptly shut down, he immediately recognized the urgency. He stepped in to help ensure that people were not left without support during a critical time of need. That response reflected exactly who he was, steady, responsive, and always guided by what the community needed most.

When he made the transition of Mass211 to my leadership and named me CEO, it was not just a professional milestone for me; it was a profound act of confidence and belief. He handed me something he built from the ground up, and I have carried that responsibility with care and respect every day since.
He was always a big-picture thinker. He could see beyond immediate challenges and understand what needed to exist for the future. He helped shape not just programs, but the very philosophy behind how we serve. Even after stepping back from day-to-day leadership, he remained a mentor and a guide. He offered counsel when asked, perspective when needed, and reassurance when things felt uncertain. Knowing he was still there was something I tried to never took for granted.

One of the simplest but most important lessons he gave me was: “to take the high road.” He led with integrity, humility, and respect, always choosing what was right over what was easy.

His passing leaves a real void, both personally and within the work he built. But his legacy is everywhere. It lives in Mass211, in Call2Talk, in the systems he created, and in the values he instilled in me and so many others.
I will miss his guidance, his perspective, and his steady presence.
I am deeply grateful for his trust.
I am deeply grateful for his vision.
I am deeply grateful for his humor, support and reassurance.
And I am deeply grateful for everything he built and left behind.
I will miss him and will always remember him.
 

Thank you, Sir. With a final fist pump.
ED

Eileen Davis
Mass 211, CEO